Join WUMT!

So you want to be a part of WashU Mock Trial? Well, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re interested in trying out for WUMT this fall, learn more about mock trial here and visit our Facebook page to see us in action in and out of the courtroom (you can like it while you’re there!) Still not convinced? Check out Buzzfeed’s 10 Reasons to Join Wash U Mock Trial. If you have any questions, feel free to email our recruitment chairs, Dana Abelson and Juan Williams. To try out for WUMT, you must attend an info session on either September 5th or 6th at 6:30 pm in the South 40 Private Dining Room. You can access the application and tryout packet here after our info session. Tryouts will be on Saturday, September 9th on the first floor of Siegle Hall, Room 109. The team will be announced by midnight on September 10th. We can’t wait to have you!

For Actors

Judging simply by the name Mock Trial, one might assume that this activity is only for future lawyers, but WUMT highly values its actors as well. It is the job of those who play witnesses to creatively develop a multifaceted character based off of a set of facts and a goal (the information provided in a legal document called an affidavit) rather than a script. Witnesses both have to be able to sustain a direct examination, which is more of a structured way of portraying their character, and a cross examination, a chance to show off improvisational skills. Mock Trial is one of the most unique and challenging ways to use your talents and expand your skillset, and we are always looking for more actors to join our team.

For Arguers

Mock Trial is a great opportunity to develop your public speaking skills and establish your own voice, enhancing your charisma and persuasiveness. Attorneys also work to strengthen their analytical/critical thinking skills as they come up with creative solutions to seemingly contradictory parts of the year’s case in order to develop the most innovative case theories. They will be required to learn how to adapt to unexpected situations and think (and speak) on their feet, a skill that is transferrable to both interviews and everyday conversation. As a bonus, our attorneys acquire real-life legal knowledge on trial proceedings and the rules of evidence that have helped many of our graduates succeed in law school!